inward

1 of 3

adjective

in·​ward ˈin-wərd 

1

: situated on the inside : inner

2

a

: of or relating to the mind or spirit

inward peace

b

: absorbed in one's own mental or spiritual life : introspective

3

: marked by close acquaintance : familiar

4

: directed toward the interior

inward

2 of 3

adverb

in·​ward ˈin-wərd 

variants or inwards

ˈin-wərdz 

1

: toward the inside, center, or interior

2

: toward the inner being

inward

3 of 3

noun

1

: something that is inward

2

inwards ˈin-ərdz  -wərdz  plural : innards

Synonyms

Adjective

• inner
• interior
• internal

Noun

• inside(s)
• viscera
• innards
• gut
• entrails
• vitals
• bowel(s)
• intestine(s)

Examples of inward in a Sentence

Adjective

moved towards the inward room for more privacy

he's more inward with the president than most members of the cabinet

Adverb

The window faces inward toward the courtyard.

He turned his attention inward.

Noun

the hunter cleaned the deer by slicing open the belly and removing the inwards

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Both sagas are a reminder of the biggest power that Alone champions bring to the show: emotional openness and inward strength. —Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 20 June 2025

That consciousness, in its final seconds, could be universal in its inward retreat. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

Adverb

The physics behind this is complex, but in a nutshell, small changes in the orbit of Neptune—the major planet most affected by a star passing by—propagate inward. —Phil Plait, Scientific American, 26 June 2025

The sun in Cancer illuminates your emotional world and family life, taking you inward, while Neptune in your sign stirs up a desire to act impulsively in your personal expression. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 23 June 2025

Noun

The Relationship Rules Simply providing typical leadership development is insufficient to shift from an inward to an outward perspective. —Liz Kislik, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025

Sometimes the inward and the outward can make for an interesting blend, converging in a house party feel of sorts. —Angelo Flaccavento, CNN, 17 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Old English inweard (akin to Old High German inwert), from in + -weard -ward entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

inward

1 of 2 adjective

in·​ward ˈin-wərd 

1

: situated on the inside : inner

2

: of or relating to the mind or spirit

an inward peace

3

: directed toward the interior

an inward flow

inward

2 of 2 adverb

variants or inwards

ˈin-wərdz 

1

: toward the inside, center, or interior

2

: toward the mind or spirit